Ghana’s building code launched; Veep confident of efficient building costs

November 6, 2018 8:14 amNovember 6, 2018

To ensure the safety of all public, residential and industrial buildings across the country, the government together with the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has launched the Ghana Building Code.

This code determines the standards required for all construction works. Vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, says the code will be a benchmark in ensuring value for more for all types of construction works in Ghana.

“Ghana Building Code should be a game changer as far as ensuring value for money in public construction is concerned. Once specifications for building in accordance with the standards are specified, it should be possible to have a fairly accurate and meaningful cost for all types of construction in the country,” Dr Bawumia stated.

The Building Code is a set of rules that specify the standards from constructed objects such as building and non-building structures and which regulates the design and construction of these structures. It focuses on public health, safety and welfare of the users.

It is also expected to streamline the construction industry through the channel of building professionals, developers and investors with common standards for public health, safety, fire protection, structural efficiency and environmental integrity.

Speaking to JoyBusiness, Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Prof. Alex Dodoo, intimated the new code, benchmarked against the Green Construction Code and the International Building Code, must serve as the benchmark for designers, regulators, safety instructors and other stakeholders in the building and safety industry.

“The code must protect the public from fire outbreak, structural collapse and a general deterioration in our homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores and places of entertainment,” he stated.

Ghana’s Building Code (GhBC) GS 1207:2018 is modified from an existing International Building Code and lays down the essential requirements for building and structural conformity.

The development of the Code was undertaken by GSA, for and on behalf of the Ministry of Works & Housing (MWH) with the support of the Swiss government through the International Finance Corporation/World Bank Group, Ghana Office.